The Vauxhall 17 is a 1,698 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1979 and 1986. It features an overhead camshaft (OHC) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and cast‑iron block construction. In standard form it delivered 59–66 kW (80–90 PS) and torque figures between 125–135 Nm, offering a balance of performance and drivability for compact family cars of its era.
Fitted to models such as the Cavalier Mk1, Chevette HS, and early Carlton, the 17 was engineered for responsive urban and highway driving with modest fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic crankcase ventilation and carburettor calibration, allowing adherence to pre‑Euro regulatory expectations under UK Construction & Use Regulations.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner pulley bearing, which can lead to belt slippage or failure. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑82‑19, is linked to early-design plastic-backed bearings that degrade under thermal cycling and oil contamination. From 1983 onward, revised tensioner assemblies with metal-backed bearings were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 1979–1986 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/CU/6789).
The Vauxhall 17 is a 1,698 cc inline‑four OHC petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (1979–1986). It combines a single-barrel downdraft carburettor with a lightweight aluminium cylinder head and cast-iron block to deliver smooth operation and adequate torque. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it relies on mechanical simplicity for reliability and ease of service.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,698 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, post-2000 compatibility with additives) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59–66 kW (80–90 PS) @ 5,400–5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 125–135 Nm @ 3,200–3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Pierburg 2E3 or Zenith) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (UK C&U Regulations) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven camshaft (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral oil (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The OHC design improves valve timing precision over OHV predecessors but requires belt replacement every 60,000 km or 4 years—whichever comes first. Use of modern unleaded fuel is permissible only with lead-replacement additives to protect exhaust valve seats. Early tensioner pulleys (pre-1983) are prone to bearing failure; inspect for play or noise during service. Carburettor jetting must match OEM specifications to avoid lean running, which accelerates valve seat recession. Post-1983 units feature metal-backed tensioner bearings—verify engine build date before assuming vulnerability.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SG/CC (Vauxhall SB-84-05). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/CU/6789). No formal Euro standard applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by carburettor type and model year (Vauxhall PT-1983).
Vauxhall Technical Information System: Docs V-17-79, ER-80-12, SB-82-19, SB-84-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/CU/6789)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall 17 was used across Vauxhall's J-Car and T-Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Chevette HS and modified airbox routing in the Cavalier Mk1—and from 1983 the Carlton adopted minor cooling enhancements, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V-17-79). The 17 is identified by '17' cast into the block adjacent to the oil dipstick tube. Pre-1983 units use Pierburg or Zenith carburettors with manual choke; post-1983 models feature automatic choke. Critical differentiation from 16S: 17 has 82.0 mm bore (vs. 80.0 mm) and identical stroke. Service parts for timing tensioners are not interchangeable between pre- and post-1983 builds due to pulley bearing redesign (Vauxhall SB-82-19).
The 17's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley failure in pre-1983 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal workshop data from 1984 indicated measurable pulley wear in over 25% of engines exceeding 80,000 km, while UK DVLA MOT records from the 1980s cite carburettor vacuum leaks as a frequent cause of emissions test failure. Infrequent belt changes and improper tensioning accelerate timing system degradation.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1979–1986) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 17.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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